CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Numbers 3:41 You are to take the Levites for Me--I am the LORD--in place of all the firstborn of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites in place of all the firstborn of the livestock of the Israelites."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/3-41.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/04_Num_03_41.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 3:41 - The Redemption of the Firstborn" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="You are to take the Levites for Me--I am the LORD--in place of all the firstborn of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites in place of all the firstborn of the livestock of the Israelites." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/numbers/3-41.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/numbers/3-41.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/numbers/">Numbers</a> > <a href="/numbers/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 41</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/numbers/3-40.htm" title="Numbers 3:40">◄</a> Numbers 3:41 <a href="/numbers/3-42.htm" title="Numbers 3:42">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/numbers/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/numbers/3.htm">New International Version</a> Take the Levites for me in place of all the firstborn of the Israelites, and the livestock of the Levites in place of all the firstborn of the livestock of the Israelites. I am the LORD.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/numbers/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> The Levites must be reserved for me as substitutes for the firstborn sons of Israel; I am the LORD. And the Levites’ livestock must be reserved for me as substitutes for the firstborn livestock of the whole nation of Israel.” <a href="/esv/numbers/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> And you shall take the Levites for me—I am the LORD—instead of all the firstborn among the people of Israel, and the cattle of the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the cattle of the people of Israel.” <a href="/bsb/numbers/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> You are to take the Levites for Me—I am the LORD—in place of all the firstborn of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites in place of all the firstborn of the livestock of the Israelites.” <a href="/kjv/numbers/3.htm">King James Bible</a> And thou shalt take the Levites for me (I am the LORD) instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel; and the cattle of the Levites instead of all the firstlings among the cattle of the children of Israel. <a href="/nkjv/numbers/3.htm">New King James Version</a> And you shall take the Levites for Me—I am the LORD—instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the livestock of the children of Israel.” <a href="/nasb_/numbers/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And you shall take the Levites for Me—I am the LORD—instead of all the firstborn among the sons of Israel; and the cattle of the Levites in place of all the firstborn among the cattle of the sons of Israel.” <a href="/nasb/numbers/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220You shall take the Levites for Me, I am the LORD, instead of all the firstborn among the sons of Israel, and the cattle of the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the cattle of the sons of Israel.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/numbers/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “And you shall take the Levites for Me, I am the LORD, instead of all the first-born among the sons of Israel, and the cattle of the Levites instead of all the first-born among the cattle of the sons of Israel.” <a href="/lsb/numbers/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And you shall take the Levites for Me, I am Yahweh, instead of all the firstborn among the sons of Israel, and the cattle of the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the cattle of the sons of Israel.” <a href="/amp/numbers/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> You shall take the Levites for Me instead of and as a substitute for all the firstborn among the Israelites. I am the LORD; and you shall take the cattle of the Levites instead of and as a substitute for all the firstborn among the cattle of the Israelites.” <a href="/csb/numbers/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> You are to take the Levites for me—I am the LORD—in place of every firstborn among the Israelites, and the Levites’ cattle in place of every firstborn among the Israelites’ cattle.” <a href="/hcsb/numbers/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> You are to take the Levites for Me—I am Yahweh—in place of every firstborn among the Israelites, and the Levites&#8217 cattle in place of every firstborn among the Israelites&#8217 cattle.&#8221 <a href="/asv/numbers/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> And thou shalt take the Levites for me (I am Jehovah) instead of all the first-born among the children of Israel; and the cattle of the Levites instead of all the firstlings among the cattle of the children of Israel. <a href="/cev/numbers/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> They belong to me, but I will accept the Levites as substitutes for them, and I will accept the Levites' livestock as substitutes for the Israelites' first-born livestock." <a href="/erv/numbers/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> And thou shalt take the Levites for me (I am the LORD) instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel; and the cattle of the Levites instead of all the firstlings among the cattle of the children of Israel. <a href="/gwt/numbers/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I am the LORD. Take the Levites for me to be substitutes for all firstborn Israelites. Also take the animals of the Levites to be substitutes for all firstborn animals of the Israelites." <a href="/isv/numbers/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> Separate the descendants of Levi for me—since I am the LORD—in place of all the first-born sons of Israel. Also separate the livestock of the descendants of Levi in place of all the firstborn of the livestock of Israel." <a href="/net/numbers/3.htm">NET Bible</a> And take the Levites for me--I am the LORD--instead of all the firstborn males among the Israelites, and the livestock of the Levites instead of all the firstborn of the livestock of the Israelites." <a href="/nheb/numbers/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> You shall take the Levites for me (I am the LORD) instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel; and the livestock of the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the livestock of the children of Israel." <a href="/wbt/numbers/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And thou shalt take the Levites for me (I am the LORD) instead of all the first-born among the children of Israel; and the cattle of the Levites, instead of all the firstlings among the cattle of the children of Israel.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/numbers/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> You are to take the Levites for Me—I am the LORD—in place of all the firstborn of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites in place of all the firstborn of the livestock of the Israelites.” <a href="/web/numbers/3.htm">World English Bible</a> You shall take the Levites for me—I am Yahweh—instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel; and the livestock of the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the livestock of the children of Israel.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/numbers/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and you have taken the Levites for Me (I [am] YHWH), instead of every firstborn among the sons of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites instead of every firstling among the livestock of the sons of Israel.” <a href="/ylt/numbers/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and thou hast taken the Levites for Me (I am Jehovah), instead of every first-born among the sons of Israel, and the cattle of the Levites instead of every firstling among the cattle of the sons of Israel.' <a href="/slt/numbers/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And take the Levites for me (I Jehovah) instead of all the first-born of the sons of Israel; and the cattle of the Levites instead of all the first-born among the cattle of the sons of Israel.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/numbers/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And thou shalt take the Levites to me for all the firstborn of the children of Israel, I am the Lord: and their cattle for all the firstborn of the cattle of the children of Israel: <a href="/cpdv/numbers/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And you shall bring the Levites to me, in place of all the firstborn of the sons of Israel, and you shall bring their cattle to me, in place of all the firstborn of the cattle of the sons of Israel. I am the Lord.” <a href="/nabre/numbers/3.htm">New American Bible</a> Then take the Levites for me—I am the LORD—in place of all the firstborn of the Israelites, as well as the Levites’ cattle, in place of all the firstborn among the cattle of the Israelites. <a href="/nrsvce/numbers/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But you shall accept the Levites for me—I am the LORD—as substitutes for all the firstborn among the Israelites, and the livestock of the Levites as substitutes for all the firstborn among the livestock of the Israelites.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/numbers/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And you shall present the Levites for me (I am the LORD) instead of all the first-born among the children of Israel; and the cattle of the Levites instead of all the firstlings among the cattle of the children of Israel. <a href="/hpbt/numbers/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And you shall bring the Levites to me (I AM LORD JEHOVAH), in the place of all of the firstborn ones of the children of Israel, and the domestic animals of Levi in the place of all firstborn ones of the domestic animals of the children of Israel.”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/numbers/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And thou shalt take the Levites for Me, even the LORD, instead of all the first-born among the children of Israel; and the cattle of the Levites instead of all the firstlings among the cattle of the children of Israel.' <a href="/sep/numbers/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And thou shalt take the Levites for me - I am the Lord - instead of all the first-born of the sons of Israel, and the cattle of the Levites instead of all the first-born among the cattle of the children of Israel. <a href="/parallel/numbers/3-41.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=966" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/numbers/3.htm">The Redemption of the Firstborn</a> 40Then the LORD said to Moses, “Number every firstborn male of the Israelites a month old or more, and list their names. 41<a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: wə·lā·qaḥ·tā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">You are to take</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3881.htm" title="3881: hal·wî·yim (Art:: N-proper-mp) -- Desc. of Levi. Or Leviy; patronymically from Leviy; a Levite or descendant of Levi.">the Levites</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">for Me—</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">I</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">am the LORD—</a> <a href="/hebrew/8478.htm" title="8478: ta·ḥaṯ (Prep) -- Underneath, below, instead of. From the same as Towach; the bottom; only adverbially, below, in lieu of, etc.">in place of</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/1060.htm" title="1060: bə·ḵōr (N-ms) -- First-born. From bakar; firstborn; hence, chief.">the firstborn</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: biḇ·nê (Prep-b:: N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.)."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">of Israel,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’êṯ (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/929.htm" title="929: be·hĕ·maṯ (N-fsc) -- A beast, animal, cattle. From an unused root; properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal.">and the livestock</a> <a href="/hebrew/3881.htm" title="3881: hal·wî·yim (Art:: N-proper-mp) -- Desc. of Levi. Or Leviy; patronymically from Leviy; a Levite or descendant of Levi.">of the Levites</a> <a href="/hebrew/8478.htm" title="8478: ta·ḥaṯ (Prep) -- Underneath, below, instead of. From the same as Towach; the bottom; only adverbially, below, in lieu of, etc.">in place of</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/1060.htm" title="1060: bə·ḵō·wr (N-ms) -- First-born. From bakar; firstborn; hence, chief.">the firstborn</a> <a href="/hebrew/929.htm" title="929: bə·ḇe·hĕ·maṯ (Prep-b:: N-fsc) -- A beast, animal, cattle. From an unused root; properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal.">of the livestock</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nê (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.)."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">of the Israelites.”</a> 42So Moses numbered all the firstborn of the Israelites, as the LORD had commanded him.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/exodus/13-2.htm">Exodus 13:2</a> “Consecrate to Me every firstborn male. The firstborn from every womb among the Israelites belongs to Me, both of man and beast.” <a href="/exodus/13-12.htm">Exodus 13:12-15</a> you are to present to the LORD the firstborn male of every womb. All the firstborn males of your livestock belong to the LORD. / You must redeem every firstborn donkey with a lamb, and if you do not redeem it, you are to break its neck. And every firstborn of your sons you must redeem. / In the future, when your son asks you, ‘What does this mean?’ you are to tell him, ‘With a mighty hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. ... <a href="/numbers/8-16.htm">Numbers 8:16-18</a> For the Levites have been wholly given to Me from among the sons of Israel. I have taken them for Myself in place of all who come first from the womb, the firstborn of all the sons of Israel. / For every firstborn male in Israel is Mine, both man and beast. I set them apart for Myself on the day I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt. / But I have taken the Levites in place of all the firstborn among the sons of Israel. <a href="/numbers/18-15.htm">Numbers 18:15-16</a> The firstborn of every womb, whether man or beast, that is offered to the LORD belongs to you. But you must surely redeem every firstborn son and every firstborn male of unclean animals. / You are to pay the redemption price for a month-old male according to your valuation: five shekels of silver, according to the sanctuary shekel, which is twenty gerahs. <a href="/deuteronomy/15-19.htm">Deuteronomy 15:19</a> You must set apart to the LORD your God every firstborn male produced by your herds and flocks. You are not to put the firstborn of your oxen to work, nor are you to shear the firstborn of your flock. <a href="/1_samuel/1-11.htm">1 Samuel 1:11</a> And she made a vow, saying, “O LORD of Hosts, if only You will look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, not forgetting Your maidservant but giving her a son, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall ever touch his head.” <a href="/1_samuel/1-28.htm">1 Samuel 1:28</a> I now dedicate the boy to the LORD. For as long as he lives, he is dedicated to the LORD.” So they worshiped the LORD there. <a href="/luke/2-23.htm">Luke 2:23</a> (as it is written in the Law of the Lord: “Every firstborn male shall be consecrated to the Lord”), <a href="/hebrews/12-23.htm">Hebrews 12:23</a> in joyful assembly, to the congregation of the firstborn, enrolled in heaven. You have come to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, <a href="/romans/8-29.htm">Romans 8:29</a> For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. <a href="/1_corinthians/6-20.htm">1 Corinthians 6:20</a> you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body. <a href="/1_corinthians/7-23.htm">1 Corinthians 7:23</a> You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. <a href="/1_peter/1-18.htm">1 Peter 1:18-19</a> For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers, / but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot. <a href="/revelation/14-4.htm">Revelation 14:4</a> These are the ones who have not been defiled with women, for they are virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever He goes. They have been redeemed from among men as firstfruits to God and to the Lamb. <a href="/exodus/32-26.htm">Exodus 32:26-29</a> So Moses stood at the entrance to the camp and said, “Whoever is for the LORD, come to me.” And all the Levites gathered around him. / He told them, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Each of you men is to fasten his sword to his side, go back and forth through the camp from gate to gate, and slay his brother, his friend, and his neighbor.’” / The Levites did as Moses commanded, and that day about three thousand of the people fell dead. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And you shall take the Levites for me (I am the LORD) instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel; and the cattle of the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the cattle of the children of Israel.<a href="/numbers/3-12.htm">Numbers 3:12,45</a> And I, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn that openeth the matrix among the children of Israel: therefore the Levites shall be mine; … <a href="/numbers/8-16.htm">Numbers 8:16</a> For they are wholly given unto me from among the children of Israel; instead of such as open every womb, even instead of the firstborn of all the children of Israel, have I taken them unto me.<a href="/numbers/18-15.htm">Numbers 18:15</a> Every thing that openeth the matrix in all flesh, which they bring unto the LORD, whether it be of men or beasts, shall be thine: nevertheless the firstborn of man shalt thou surely redeem, and the firstling of unclean beasts shalt thou redeem.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/3-1.htm">Births</a> <a href="/leviticus/27-26.htm">Cattle</a> <a href="/numbers/3-40.htm">Children</a> <a href="/numbers/3-40.htm">First</a> <a href="/numbers/3-40.htm">Firstborn</a> <a href="/numbers/3-40.htm">First-Born</a> <a href="/exodus/34-19.htm">Firstlings</a> <a href="/numbers/3-12.htm">Instead</a> <a href="/numbers/3-40.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/numbers/3-39.htm">Levites</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/58-8.htm">Births</a> <a href="/numbers/3-45.htm">Cattle</a> <a href="/numbers/3-42.htm">Children</a> <a href="/numbers/3-42.htm">First</a> <a href="/numbers/3-42.htm">Firstborn</a> <a href="/numbers/3-42.htm">First-Born</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-6.htm">Firstlings</a> <a href="/numbers/3-45.htm">Instead</a> <a href="/numbers/3-42.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/numbers/3-45.htm">Levites</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 3</div>1. <a href="/numbers/3-1.htm">The sons of Aaron</a> 5. <a href="/numbers/3-5.htm">The Levites are given to the priests instead of the firstborn</a> 14. <a href="/numbers/3-14.htm">Are numbered by their families</a> 21. <a href="/numbers/3-21.htm">The families, number, and charge of the Gershonites</a> 27. <a href="/numbers/3-27.htm">Of the Kohathites</a> 33. <a href="/numbers/3-33.htm">Of the Merarites</a> 38. <a href="/numbers/3-38.htm">The place and charge of Moses and Aaron</a> 40. <a href="/numbers/3-40.htm">The firstborn are freed by the Levites</a> 44. <a href="/numbers/3-44.htm">The balances are refunded</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/numbers/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>You are to take the Levites for Me The Levites were chosen by God to serve Him in a special capacity, set apart from the other tribes of Israel. This selection is rooted in the events of the Golden Calf incident (Exodus 32), where the Levites stood with Moses and against idolatry. Their role was to assist the priests, the descendants of Aaron, in the service of the Tabernacle, which included duties such as transporting the Tabernacle and its furnishings, and later, maintaining the Temple. This phrase emphasizes God's sovereign choice and the Levites' consecration to His service.I am the LORD This declaration underscores God's authority and the divine origin of the command. It serves as a reminder of His covenant relationship with Israel and His right to dictate the terms of worship and service. The phrase "I am the LORD" is a frequent refrain in the Pentateuch, emphasizing God's unchanging nature and His role as the covenant-keeping God.in place of all the firstborn of Israel Originally, the firstborn of every family in Israel were consecrated to God, a practice that commemorated the Passover event in Egypt when the firstborn of the Egyptians were struck down, but the Israelites were spared (<a href="/exodus/13-2.htm">Exodus 13:2</a>). By substituting the Levites for the firstborn, God establishes a system where a specific tribe is dedicated to His service, reflecting His mercy and provision for the people.and the livestock of the Levites in place of all the firstborn of the livestock of the Israelites This substitution extends to the livestock, indicating the comprehensive nature of the Levites' role as representatives of the firstborn. The firstborn of livestock were also consecrated to God (<a href="/exodus/13-12.htm">Exodus 13:12</a>), and this exchange signifies the Levites' total dedication to God, encompassing both human and animal elements. This reflects the holistic nature of worship and service in Israel, where every aspect of life was to be consecrated to God.Connections to Other Scripture The concept of substitution seen here foreshadows the ultimate substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is described as the "firstborn over all creation" (<a href="/colossians/1-15.htm">Colossians 1:15</a>) and who takes the place of humanity in bearing the penalty for sin. The Levites' role as mediators between God and Israel prefigures Christ's role as the ultimate High Priest (<a href="/hebrews/4-14.htm">Hebrews 4:14-16</a>).Historical and Cultural Context In the ancient Near East, the firstborn held a place of special significance, often receiving a double portion of the inheritance and assuming leadership roles within the family. God's claim on the firstborn of Israel and their substitution by the Levites highlights the counter-cultural nature of Israel's covenant relationship with God, where divine service takes precedence over familial and societal norms.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_levites.htm">The Levites</a> A tribe set apart for religious duties and service to God, replacing the firstborn sons of Israel in their dedication to the Lord. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a> The chosen people of God, from whom the firstborn were initially consecrated to the Lord following the Passover event in Egypt. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a> The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who commands the substitution of the Levites for the firstborn. 4. <a href="/topical/f/firstborn_of_the_israelites.htm">Firstborn of the Israelites</a> Originally consecrated to God as a remembrance of the Passover, when God spared the firstborn of Israel. 5. <a href="/topical/l/livestock_of_the_levites.htm">Livestock of the Levites</a> Substituted for the firstborn livestock of the Israelites, signifying the complete dedication of the Levites to God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_choice.htm">God's Sovereignty in Choice</a> God chooses whom He wills for His purposes, as seen in His selection of the Levites. This reminds us of His sovereign will in our lives. <a href="/topical/s/substitution_and_redemption.htm">Substitution and Redemption</a> The Levites' substitution for the firstborn prefigures the ultimate substitutionary sacrifice of Christ. Reflect on how Christ's sacrifice redeems us. <a href="/topical/d/dedication_to_service.htm">Dedication to Service</a> The Levites were wholly dedicated to God's service. Consider how we can dedicate our lives and resources to serving God today. <a href="/topical/r/remembrance_of_deliverance.htm">Remembrance of Deliverance</a> The consecration of the firstborn was a reminder of God's deliverance from Egypt. Regularly remember and give thanks for God's deliverance in your life. <a href="/topical/c/community_and_responsibility.htm">Community and Responsibility</a> The Levites served on behalf of the entire community. Reflect on how we can serve and support our faith community.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 3</a> <a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_differing_census_counts.htm">Numbers 3 - How do we reconcile these population figures with other biblical passages that present different census counts?</a> <a href="/q/how_do_levites_replace_firstborns.htm">If the Levites replaced all Israel's firstborn in worship (Numbers 8:16-18), how does this reconcile with earlier promises safeguarding the special status of firstborns?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_num_8_10_align_with_other_rites.htm">How does the ritual laying on of hands in Numbers 8:10 align or conflict with other priestly consecration rites in the Torah?</a> <a href="/q/is_it_feasible_to_count_all_males_1+_month.htm">Numbers 3:15 - Is it realistic to gather and count every male from one month old and upward in a nomadic environment?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(41) And thou shalt take the Levites for me (I am the Lord) . . . --Or, And thou shalt take the Levites for Me--for Me, Jehovah. The assertions which have been frequently made respecting the transference of the priesthood of the firstborn to the Levites appear to be altogether without foundation. For (1) the priesthood which was exercised in patriarchal times was not restricted to the firstborn, but appears to have been common to the head of every family. (2) This priesthood was exercised previously to the exodus, and consequently previously to the command given to Moses to sanctify the firstborn. And (3) the priesthood, which belonged not to the firstborn exclusively, but to the Israelites at large, was thenceforth strictly confined to the family of Aaron, who inherited it not as the substitutes of the firstborn, but in the place of the whole nation. <a href="/commentaries/numbers/3-41.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>You are to take וְלָקַחְתָּ֨ (wə·lā·qaḥ·tā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> To take the Levites הַלְוִיִּ֥ם (hal·wî·yim) Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3881.htm">Strong's 3881: </a> Levites -- descendant of Levi for Me— לִי֙ (lî) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> I אֲנִ֣י (’ă·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I am the LORD— יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel in place of תַּ֥חַת (ta·ḥaṯ) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8478.htm">Strong's 8478: </a> The bottom, below, in lieu of all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every the firstborn בְּכֹ֖ר (bə·ḵōr) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1060.htm">Strong's 1060: </a> Firstborn, chief of Israel, יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc and the livestock בֶּהֱמַ֣ת (be·hĕ·maṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_929.htm">Strong's 929: </a> A dumb beast, any large quadruped, animal of the Levites הַלְוִיִּ֔ם (hal·wî·yim) Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3881.htm">Strong's 3881: </a> Levites -- descendant of Levi in place of תַּ֣חַת (ta·ḥaṯ) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8478.htm">Strong's 8478: </a> The bottom, below, in lieu of all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every the firstborn בְּכ֔וֹר (bə·ḵō·wr) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1060.htm">Strong's 1060: </a> Firstborn, chief of the livestock בְּבֶהֱמַ֖ת (bə·ḇe·hĕ·maṯ) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_929.htm">Strong's 929: </a> A dumb beast, any large quadruped, animal of the Israelites.” בְּנֵ֥י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/3-41.htm">Numbers 3:41 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/numbers/3-41.htm">Numbers 3:41 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/numbers/3-41.htm">Numbers 3:41 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/numbers/3-41.htm">Numbers 3:41 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/numbers/3-41.htm">Numbers 3:41 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/3-41.htm">Numbers 3:41 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/3-41.htm">Numbers 3:41 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/3-41.htm">Numbers 3:41 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/3-41.htm">Numbers 3:41 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/numbers/3-41.htm">Numbers 3:41 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/numbers/3-41.htm">OT Law: Numbers 3:41 You shall take the Levites for me (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/3-40.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 3:40"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 3:40" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/3-42.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 3:42"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 3:42" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>